Information processing apparatus and method, and program

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and method and a program capable of more easily capturing image in accordance with more various situations. An imaging device including an imaging function unit and an imaging range variable unit is controlled on the basis of vehicle information that is information regarding a vehicle. For example, on the basis of vehicle information obtained in a patrol car, such as vehicle location and position information, vehicle speed information, vehicle operation information, or vehicle attached equipment information, imaging of a subject by the imaging device provided to a flying body and flight by the flying body are controlled. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, an information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a communication apparatus, an electronic device, an information processing method, a program, or the like.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatusand method and a program, and particularly relates to an informationprocessing apparatus and method and a program capable of more easilycapturing image in accordance with more various situations.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, various systems utilizing a flying body such as aso-called drone have been studied. For example, a method of causing aflying body to fly in a parking lot and guiding a user to a specificlocation has been conceived (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Furthermore, for example, it has been conceived to support patrol, suchas imaging by using an imaging device during patrol of a police officer,and recording and guidance by using a captured image.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.    2017-227946

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In such patrol, various situations occur. Therefore, in order toappropriately support patrol, it is required to perform imagingaccording to each situation. However, there has been no method ofperforming such imaging according to various situations, and it has beendifficult to appropriately support patrol in more situations. Even withthe method described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to guide auser to a specific location by causing the flying body to fly, but ithas been difficult to perform imaging according to the situation.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and anobject thereof is to enable an imaging device to more easily performimaging according to more various situations.

Solutions to Problems

An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of thepresent technology is an information processing apparatus including acontrol unit configured to control an imaging device, on the basis ofvehicle information that is information regarding a vehicle.

An information processing method according to one aspect of the presenttechnology is an information processing method for controlling animaging device, on the basis of vehicle information that is informationregarding a vehicle.

A program according to one aspect of the present technology is a programfor causing a computer to function as a control unit configured tocontrol an imaging device, on the basis of vehicle information that isinformation regarding a vehicle.

In the information processing apparatus and method and the programaccording to one aspect of the present technology, the imaging device iscontrolled on the basis of vehicle information that is informationregarding a vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing a main configuration example of a patrolsupport system.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of data exchanged between devices.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of apatrol car.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of a basestation.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of aflying body.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of aterminal device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of acentral control server.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow of a controlprocess of the entire system.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow of a flyingbody control process.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining use case 1-1.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining use case 1-2.

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining use case 2.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining use case 3.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining use case 4.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a camera installed on apole-shaped installation base mounted on an automobile.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of acomputer.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment for implementing the present disclosure(hereinafter, referred to as an embodiment) will be described. Note thatthe description will be given in the following order.

1. First embodiment (patrol support system)

2. Use case 1-1

3. Use case 1-2

4. Use case 2

5. Use case 3

6. Use case 4

7. Supplementary note

1. FIRST EMBODIMENT

<Imaging Control Based on Vehicle Information>

In recent years, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, varioussystems utilizing a flying body such as a so-called drone have beenstudied. For example, a method of causing a flying body to fly in aparking lot and guiding a user to a specific location has beenconceived.

Furthermore, for example, it has been conceived to support patrol, suchas imaging by using an imaging device during patrol of a police officer,and recording and guidance by using a captured image. In such patrol,various situations occur. Therefore, in order to appropriately supportpatrol, it is required to perform imaging according to each situation.

However, there has been no method of performing such imaging accordingto various situations, and it has been difficult to appropriatelysupport patrol in more situations. Even with the method described inPatent Document 1, it is possible to guide a user to a specific locationby causing the flying body to fly, but it has been difficult to performimaging according to the situation.

For example, a method is conceivable in which a flying body having animaging device is mounted on a patrol car, the flying body is caused tofly during patrol to capture an image from the sky, and recording andguidance are performed using the captured image. However, it has beendifficult to cause the flying body to fly and to perform imaging whilethe patrol car is traveling. Furthermore, there are a situation in whichimaging is necessary and a situation in which imaging is unnecessaryeven during patrol, and imaging is unnecessary when not being on patrol.However, it has been difficult to identify each situation and performimaging in an appropriate situation. Furthermore, there are a case wherea police officer should be imaged, a case where surroundings of a patrolcar should be imaged, and the like depending on the situation. However,it has been difficult to appropriately determine what is to be a subjectand how to capture an image. For example, it is conceivable that anoperator manually operates the flying body or the imaging device inaccordance with the situation, but in that case, complicated work hasbeen required.

Therefore, an imaging device including an imaging function unit and animaging range variable unit is to be controlled on the basis of vehicleinformation that is information regarding a vehicle. For example, aninformation processing apparatus includes a control unit configured tocontrol an imaging device, on the basis of vehicle information that isinformation regarding a vehicle. Furthermore, for example, a programcauses a computer to function as a control unit configured to control animaging device, on the basis of vehicle information that is informationregarding a vehicle. Doing in such a way enables imaging according tomore various situations to be more easily performed.

<Patrol Support System>

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a main configuration ofa patrol support system, which is one aspect of an informationprocessing system to which the present technology is applied. A patrolsupport system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that performs imaging andsupports patrol of a police officer by using an obtained captured image.As shown in FIG. 1, the patrol support system 100 includes a patrol car101, a base station 102, a flying body 103, a terminal device 104, and acentral control server 105.

The patrol car 101 is a vehicle on which the police officer 113 rides,and an operation such as driving is performed by the police officer 113.The patrol car 101 also has equipment specific to a police vehicle, suchas, for example, a rotating light (also referred to as a red light or alight bar) and a wireless communication device, in addition to afunction as a normal vehicle. Furthermore, the patrol car 101 includesthe base station 102.

The base station 102 is a control device configured to control theflying body 103, and is a device serving as a take-off and landing siteof the flying body 103. The base station 102 and the flying body 103 areconnected to each other by a cable 111 in order to physically limit aflight range of the flying body 103. Furthermore, the base station 102has a communication function, and can communicate with another devicesuch as the patrol car 101, the flying body 103, the terminal device104, or the central control server 105. Any method (standard) may beadopted for the communication of these, and wireless communication,wired communication, or both may be adopted. For example, the basestation 102 and the flying body 103 may perform communication via thecable 111 (perform wired communication), or may perform wirelesscommunication without the cable 111. Note that, for example, the basestation 102 may be able to wind the cable 111 such that the cable 111 isnot loosened. In other words, a length of the cable 111 may be variable,and a flight restriction range of the flying body 103 may be variable.

The flying body 103 is an unmanned aircraft such as a so-called drone.The flying body 103 uses the base station 102 as a take-off and landingsite, and flies within the flight restriction range by the cable 111.The flying body 103 can fly autonomously or can fly (by being remotelyoperated) under control of another device such as the base station 102.

Furthermore, the flying body 103 includes a camera 112 and has animaging function. For example, the flying body 103 can capture an imageby using the camera 112 (imaging function unit) while flying. That is,the flying body 103 is an imaging range variable unit that makes animaging range of the camera 112 variable (controls the imaging range).This imaging can be performed autonomously, or can be controlled byanother device such as the base station 102. While flying, the flyingbody 103 captures an image of surroundings of the patrol car 101, thepolice officer 113, and the like during patrol, in accordance with thesituation. The captured image can be used for any purpose. For example,this captured image may be used to control any other device such as thepatrol car 101, the flying body 103, and the terminal device 104.Furthermore, for example, this captured image may be used for support ofpatrol activities such as recording and guidance.

In other words, the camera 112 includes the flying body 103 and has aflight function. That is, the flying body 103 and the camera 112 can besaid to be a flying body (aircraft) including the imaging function unitand the imaging range varying unit, and can also be said to be animaging device including the imaging function unit and the imaging rangevariable unit.

The terminal device 104 is an electronic device carried by the policeofficer 113 who is a user (a driver, a crew) of the patrol car 101. Forexample, the terminal device 104 may be a portable terminal device suchas a smartphone or a tablet device. Furthermore, for example, theterminal device 104 may be a wearable device of a wristwatch type, aspectacle type, a ring type, a shoe type, a pocket type, a pendant type,or the like. The terminal device 104 has an imaging function such as acamera, and can capture an image of a subject. The police officer 113during patrol basically carries this terminal device 104, and theterminal device 104 captures an image of a situation around the policeofficer 113. This captured image can be used for any purpose. Forexample, this captured image may be used to control any other devicesuch as the patrol car 101 or the flying body 103.

Note that the terminal device 104 may include any sensor so as to beable to detect information regarding the police officer 113. Forexample, the terminal device 104 may be able to detect use of a weaponor a tool by the police officer 113, biological information of thepolice officer 113 such as a pulse, a heart rate, and a line-of-sightdirection, and the like by the sensor. The detected information (sensorinformation) can be used for any purpose. For example, this sensorinformation may be used to control any other device such as the patrolcar 101 or the flying body 103.

The central control server 105 is a server that manages the patrolsupport system 100. The patrol car 101 to the terminal device 104described above are devices (local devices) on a terminal side in thepatrol support system 100. On the other hand, the central control server105 is a server-side device, and manages and controls, for example, thepatrol car 101 to the terminal device 104.

The central control server 105 may have any configuration, and may be,for example, an information processing apparatus provided in a centralmanagement facility such as a control center, or may be an informationprocessing apparatus whose configuration is not specified like aso-called cloud server.

The central control server 105 is communicably connected to the basestation 102 via a network 114, and communicates with the base station102 to control the base station 102, acquire information from the basestation 102, and communicate with other devices via the base station102. Of course, the central control server 105 may be communicablyconnected to the patrol car 101, the flying body 103, and the terminaldevice 104 via the network 114, to be able to communicate with thesedevices without via the base station 102. Note that any method(standard) may be adopted for this communication, and wirelesscommunication, wired communication, or both may be adopted.

The network 114 is any network such as, for example, the Internet or alocal area network. The network 114 includes one or a plurality ofnetworks configured in a wired or wireless manner or in both manners.The patrol car 101 to the terminal device 104 are connected to thenetwork 114 by, for example, wireless communication. Furthermore, thecentral control server 105 is connected to the network 114 by wiredcommunication, wireless communication, or both.

Note that, FIG. 1 shows one each of the patrol car 101 to the centralcontrol server 105, but any number of individual devices may be includedin the patrol support system 100. The number of the individual devicesmay be singular or plural. Furthermore, the number of the individualdevices may not be the same.

For example, a plurality of base stations 102 may be provided for onepatrol car 101. Furthermore, for example, a plurality of flying bodies103 may be provided for one base station 102. That is, the plurality offlying bodies 103 may use the same base station 102 as a take-off andlanding site. In other words, one base station 102 may be able tocontrol a plurality of flying bodies 103.

Furthermore, a plurality of terminal devices 104 may be provided for onepatrol car 101. For example, a plurality of police officers 113 may becrews in one patrol car 101, and each of the plurality of policeofficers 113 may carry the terminal device 104. Furthermore, one policeofficer 113 may carry a plurality of terminal devices 104.

Furthermore, a plurality of local devices may be provided for onecentral control server 105. That is, a plurality of patrol cars 101 (andthe base stations 102 and the terminal devices 104) may be provided forone central control server 105. In that case, the central control server105 communicates with the base station 102 of each patrol car 101, oranother local device. Furthermore, a plurality of central controlservers 105 may be provided in the patrol support system 100. In thiscase, the central control servers 105 each may communicate with mutuallydifferent local devices, or a plurality of central control servers 105may communicate with mutually the same local device. Furthermore, aplurality of central control servers 105 may share a plurality ofprocesses or perform one process in cooperation.

<Support Contents>

Next, contents of support performed by the patrol support system 100will be described. The patrol support system 100 can perform any processrelated to patrol support. For example, the patrol support system 100can perform: collecting and recording of information about a surroundingenvironment; warning (detection of an occurrence of abnormality or asuspicious person, and the like); information notification to the policeofficer 113 (notification of investigation information, warning whendanger occurs, guidance, and the like); and monitoring and recording ofa behavior of the police officer 113.

<Vehicle Information>

Next, information exchanged between the individual devices describedabove will be described with reference to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2,the patrol car 101 supplies vehicle information to the base station 102.

<Vehicle Location and Position Information>

Vehicle information is information regarding a vehicle (the patrol car101), and may have any content as long as it relates to the vehicle. Forexample, the vehicle information may include vehicle location andposition information that is information regarding a location and aposition of the vehicle. The vehicle location and position informationmay have any content as long as it relates to a location and a positionof the vehicle.

For example, the vehicle location and position information may includeinformation indicating a location of the patrol car 101 measured byreceiving a signal transmitted from a global positioning system (GPS)satellite or the like. Furthermore, the vehicle location and positioninformation may include information indicating a location and anorientation (position) of the patrol car 101 measured using an angularvelocity sensor (also referred to as a gyroscope or a gyroscope sensor).Moreover, the vehicle location and position information may includeinformation indicating a location and an orientation (position) of thepatrol car 101 that are derived on the basis of an operation (drivingaction) of an accelerator, a brake, a steering wheel, or the like.

<Vehicle Speed Information>

Furthermore, for example, the vehicle information may include vehiclespeed information that is information regarding a speed of the vehicle.The vehicle speed information may have any content as long as it relatesto a speed of the vehicle.

For example, the vehicle speed information may include information(information derived from an angular velocity of a wheel or the like)indicating a speed of the patrol car 101 measured by a speedometer ofthe patrol car 101. Furthermore, the vehicle speed information mayinclude information indicating a speed of the patrol car 101 measuredusing an angular velocity sensor (also referred to as a gyroscope or agyroscope sensor).

<Vehicle Operation Information>

Moreover, for example, the vehicle information may include vehicleoperation information that is information regarding an operation on thevehicle (an operation on equipment as a vehicle) by a user (a driver orthe like). The vehicle operation information may have any content aslong as it relates to an operation on the vehicle. For example, thevehicle operation information may include information indicating a stateof an engine (that is, whether or not the engine is driven, and thelike) (or information indicating a state (ON/OFF/ACC (accessory powersupply) or the like) of an ignition key (engine key)) of the patrol car101.

Furthermore, the vehicle operation information may include informationindicating an open/closed state of a door of the patrol car 101.Moreover, the vehicle operation information may include informationindicating an accelerator opening degree (throttle opening degree) ofthe patrol car 101. Furthermore, the vehicle operation information mayinclude information indicating a state (operation status) of a brakepedal, a parking brake, or the like of the patrol car 101. Moreover, thevehicle operation information may include information indicating a state(operation status) of a steering wheel, a shift lever, or the like.

Furthermore, the vehicle operation information may include informationindicating a state of a direction indicator, a wiper, or the like (orinformation indicating an operation status of switches (operation units)of these) of the patrol car 101. Moreover, the vehicle operationinformation may include information indicating a state (turning on/offor the like) of lighting (or information indicating an operation statusof a light switch (operation unit)) of the patrol car 101. Of course,the vehicle operation information may include information indicatingother operations on the equipment as a vehicle, of the patrol car 101.

<Vehicle Attached Equipment Information>

Moreover, for example, the vehicle information may include vehicleattached equipment information that is information regarding attachedequipment of the vehicle. The vehicle attached equipment information mayhave any content as long as it relates to the attached equipment of thevehicle. For example, the vehicle attached equipment information mayinclude information regarding equipment installed in the patrol car 101.Furthermore, the equipment may be the attached equipment as a policevehicle. That is, the vehicle attached equipment information may includeinformation (police equipment information) regarding the attachedequipment as the police vehicle.

For example, the vehicle attached equipment information may includeinformation indicating a state (turning on/off or the like) of arotating light (a red light or a light bar) (or information indicatingan operation status of an operation unit of the rotating lamp) of thepatrol car 101. Furthermore, the vehicle attached equipment informationmay include information indicating a usage status (not in use, in use,recently used, or the like) of a siren and a loudspeaker (or informationindicating an operation status of an operation unit of the siren or theloudspeaker) of the patrol car 101. Moreover, the vehicle attachedequipment information may include information indicating a usage status(not in use, in use, recently used, or the like) of a wirelesscommunication device (or information indicating an operation status ofan operation unit of the wireless communication device) of the patrolcar 101.

Furthermore, the vehicle attached equipment information may includeinformation indicating a usage status (whether or not being taken outfrom the patrol car 101, or the like) of equipment attachable to anddetachable from the patrol car 101. For example, a usage status (whetheror not being removed from a predetermined position, and the like) of aweapon (a gun, a baton, or the like), a tool (a flashlight, a sign, andthe like), and the like installed at the predetermined location (forexample, a trunk room, or the like) of the patrol car 101, and adetection result may be detected by a sensor or the like and included inthe vehicle attached equipment information.

Of course, the patrol car 101 can supply any information other than thevehicle information, to the base station 102.

<Environment Information (Flying Body)>

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the flying body 103 may supply acaptured image generated by imaging by the camera 112 to the basestation 102, as environment information. For example, the camera 112 maycapture an image of surroundings of the patrol car 101 and the policeofficer 113 to generate a captured image (also referred to as a flyingbody captured image), and the flying body 103 may supply the flying bodycaptured image to the base station 102, as environment information thatis information regarding the surroundings of the patrol car 101. Notethat, the camera 112 (or the flying body 103) may analyze the flyingbody captured image for a desired matter, and the flying body 103 maysupply an analysis result to the base station 102 as the environmentinformation instead of the flying body captured image.

Note that, the flying body 103 may collect sound around the patrol car101 and the police officer 113 by using a microphone (not illustrated)or the like, and supply sound information to the base station 102 as theenvironment information.

Of course, the flying body 103 (camera 112) can supply any informationother than the environment information, to the base station 102.

<Environment Information (Terminal Device)>

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 104 may supply, asthe environment information, a captured image generated by imaging bythe terminal device 104 (another device different from the camera 112),to the base station 102. For example, the terminal device 104 maycapture an image of surroundings of the police officer 113 to generate acaptured image (also referred to as a terminal captured image), andsupply the terminal captured image to the base station 102 as theenvironment information. Note that the terminal device 104 may analyzethe terminal captured image for a desired matter, and supply an analysisresult to the base station 102 as the environment information, insteadof the terminal captured image.

Note that, the terminal device 104 collects sound around the terminaldevice 104 (that is, sound around the police officer 113), and supplysound information to the base station 102 as the environmentinformation.

Furthermore, the terminal device 104 may detect use of a weapon by thepolice officer 113, a predetermined behavior by the police officer 113,biological information of the police officer 113, and the like by usinga sensor and the like, and supply the detected information to the basestation 102 as the environment information.

Of course, the terminal device 104 can supply any information other thanthe environment information, to the base station 102.

<Instruction Command>

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the central control server 105 maysupply, as the environment information, an instruction command generatedin the central control server 105, to the base station 102. Theinstruction command may have any content. For example, an instructioncommand (control information) for the base station 102 may be included,an instruction command (control information) for the flying body 103 (orthe camera 112) may be included, an instruction command (controlinformation) for the patrol car 101 may be included, and an instructioncommand (control information) for the terminal device 104 (or the policeofficer 113) may be included.

Of course, the central control server 105 can supply any informationother than the instruction command, to the base station 102.

<Imaging Control Information>

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the base station 102 supplies imagingcontrol information for controlling imaging of a subject by the camera112, to the flying body 103 (camera 112). The base station 102 generatesthis imaging control information on the basis of the vehicle informationsupplied from the patrol car 101. The flying body 103 (camera 112)captures an image of a subject with the camera 112 on the basis of thisimaging control information. That is, the base station 102 controlsimaging of a subject by the camera 112 on the basis of the vehicleinformation.

Note that the base station 102 may generate the imaging controlinformation further on the basis of environment information suppliedfrom another device. That is, the base station 102 may control imagingof a subject by the camera 112 on the basis of the vehicle informationand the environment information.

The imaging control information may have any content as long as itrelates to control of imaging by the camera 112. For example, theimaging control information may include information instructing an angleof view (zoom (a wide angle/a narrow angle), pan, tilt, and the like) ofimaging. Moreover, the imaging control information may includeinformation instructing a start or an end of imaging. Furthermore, theimaging control information may include information instructing a startor an end of streaming distribution of a captured image generated byimaging. That is, on the basis of the vehicle information (or thevehicle information and the environment information), the base station102 may control a direction of imaging, an angle of view of the imaging,a start or an end of the imaging by the camera 112, or a start or an endof transmission (for example, streaming distribution or the like) of acaptured image generated by imaging.

Of course, the imaging control information may include information otherthan these. For example, the imaging control information may includeinformation instructing exposure, information instructing a depth offield, information instructing sensitivity, information instructingresolution, information instructing image processing (such as whitebalance adjustment and filter processing) on the generated capturedimage, and the like.

In this way, by controlling the imaging of a subject by the camera 112on the basis of the vehicle information, it is possible to more easilyperform imaging according to more various situations.

<Flight Control Information>

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the base station 102 supplies flightcontrol information for controlling flight of the flying body 103, tothe flying body 103. The base station 102 generates this flight controlinformation on the basis of the vehicle information supplied from thepatrol car 101. The flying body 103 flies in the air on the basis ofthis flight control information. This flight allows the flying body 103to move the camera 112 and control a position of the camera 112. Thatis, the base station 102 controls the flight by the flying body 103 onthe basis of the vehicle information.

Note that the base station 102 may generate the flight controlinformation further on the basis of environment information suppliedfrom another device. That is, the base station 102 may control flight bythe flying body 103 on the basis of the vehicle information and theenvironment information.

The flight control information may have any content as long as itrelates to flight by the flying body 103. For example, the flightcontrol information may include information instructing a location ofthe flying body 103. Furthermore, the flight control information mayinclude information instructing a height of the flying body 103 (aflight altitude of the flying body 103). Moreover, the flight controlinformation may include information instructing an orientation of theflying body. Furthermore, the flight control information may includeinformation instructing an inclination of the flying body. Moreover, theflight control information may include information instructing a motionof the flying body (such as a flight speed, a flight path, take-off,landing, a flight mode (surrounding monitoring, tracking, and thelike)). Of course, the flight control information may includeinformation other than these. For example, information for controlling arotation speed or the like of a propeller may be included.

By controlling flight by the flying body 103 on the basis of the vehicleinformation in this way, it is possible to more easily perform imagingaccording to more various situations by the camera 112 provided to theflying body 103.

Of course, the base station 102 can supply any information other thanthe imaging control information and the flight control information, tothe flying body 103 (camera 112).

<Vehicle Control Information>

Furthermore, although not illustrated, the base station 102 may supplyvehicle control information for controlling the patrol car 101(vehicle), to the patrol car 101. In this case, the base station 102generates this vehicle control information on the basis of the vehicleinformation, or on the basis of the vehicle information and theenvironment information. On the basis of this vehicle controlinformation, the patrol car 101 drives the patrol car 101, equipmentmounted on the patrol car 101, and the like. That is, the base station102 may control the patrol car 101 on the basis of the vehicleinformation, or on the basis of the vehicle information and theenvironment information.

The vehicle control information may have any content as long as itrelates to control of the patrol car 101. For example, the vehiclecontrol information may include control information for performingcontrol related to movement of the patrol car 101 (for example, controlof starting/stopping of the engine, control of operation units of anaccelerator, a brake, a steering wheel, a shift lever, and the like,control of a location, an orientation, a speed, and the like of thepatrol car 101, and the like). Furthermore, for example, the vehiclecontrol information may include control information for performingcontrol (such as, for example, control of a rotating light, a siren, aloudspeaker, a radio, and the like) regarding the attached equipment ofthe patrol car 101.

Of course, the base station 102 can supply any information other thanthe vehicle control information, to the patrol car 101.

<Terminal Control Information>

Furthermore, although not illustrated, the base station 102 may supplyterminal control information for controlling the terminal device 104, tothe terminal device 104. In this case, the base station 102 generatesthis terminal control information on the basis of the vehicleinformation, or on the basis of the vehicle information and theenvironment information. The terminal device 104 drives the terminaldevice 104 on the basis of this terminal control information. That is,the base station 102 may control the terminal device 104 on the basis ofthe vehicle information, or on the basis of the vehicle information andthe environment information.

The terminal control information may have any content as long as itrelates to control of the terminal device 104. For example, the terminalcontrol information may include control information for performingcontrol related to imaging of a subject by the terminal device 104 (forexample, control of a start and an end of imaging, resolution, anaperture, sensitivity, a depth of field, an angle of view (zoom, pan,tilt), an orientation, image processing (such as white balanceadjustment and filter processing), or the like).

Of course, the base station 102 can supply any information other thanthe terminal control information to the terminal device 104.

<Live Streaming>

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the base station 102 may performstreaming distribution (live streaming) of a captured image generated inthe flying body 103 (camera 112), to another apparatus such as thecentral control server 105. For example, under a specific situation suchas when the police officer 113 is in a dangerous situation, the basestation 102 may perform streaming distribution of a captured imagegenerated by the flying body 103 (camera 112). Then, an operator whooperates the central control server 105 and manages (monitors) abehavior or the like of the police officer 113 may give an instructionto the police officer 113 or the like on the basis of the captured imagein the streaming distribution. Doing in such a way allows the operatorto more easily grasp the situation of the police officer 113 on thebasis of the captured image in the streaming distribution. Therefore,this operator can more appropriately instruct (support) the policeofficer 113 and the like under more various situations.

Of course, the base station 102 can supply any information other thanthe streaming data to the central control server 105.

<Patrol Car>

Next, a configuration of each device will be described. FIG. 3 is ablock diagram showing an example of a main configuration of the patrolcar 101, which is one aspect of an information processing apparatus(vehicle) to which the present technology is applied. As shown in FIG.3, the patrol car 101 includes a vehicle unit 131, a vehicle informationgeneration unit 132, and a communication unit 133.

The vehicle unit 131 has, of the patrol car 101, a configuration as avehicle, a configuration as attached equipment of the vehicle, aconfiguration for acquiring information to be included in the vehicleinformation from these configurations, and the like. The configurationas the vehicle includes any configuration as the vehicle, for example,an engine, a transmission, a tire, an accelerator, a brake system, asteering wheel, a seat, a light, a vehicle body, and the like. Theconfiguration as the attached equipment of the vehicle includes anyconfiguration as the attached equipment of the vehicle, such as: anyequipment provided in the patrol car 101, such as, for example, arotating light, a siren, a loudspeaker, a wireless communication device,and a car navigation system; and equipment attachable to and detachablefrom the patrol car 101 such as a weapon (a gun, a baton, or the like)and a tool (a flashlight, a sign, or the like). The configuration foracquiring information to be included in the vehicle information fromthese configurations includes, for example, a sensor or the like thatacquires vehicle location and position information, vehicle speedinformation, vehicle operation information, vehicle attached equipmentinformation, or the like.

The vehicle unit 131 supplies information acquired by the configuration(the configuration for acquiring information to be included in thevehicle information) (for example, the vehicle location and positioninformation, the vehicle speed information, the vehicle operationinformation, the vehicle attached equipment information, or the like) tothe vehicle information generation unit 132. Furthermore, the vehicleunit 131 can also be driven on the basis of vehicle control informationsupplied from the communication unit 133.

The vehicle information generation unit 132 acquires the informationsupplied from the vehicle unit 131, and generates vehicle informationincluding the information. The vehicle information generation unit 132supplies the generated vehicle information, to the communication unit133.

The communication unit 133 has a communication interface, andcommunicates with other devices via the communication interface. Anyscheme (standard) may be adopted for this communication, and wirelesscommunication, wired communication, or both may be adopted. For example,the communication unit 133 communicates with the base station 102, andtransmits the vehicle information supplied from the vehicle informationgeneration unit 132, to the base station 102. Furthermore, thecommunication unit 133 can also communicate with the base station 102,receive vehicle control information transmitted from the base station102, and supply the vehicle control information to the vehicle unit 131.

Note that the vehicle information generation unit 132 can have anyconfiguration. For example, the vehicle information generation unit 132may be configured by a logic circuit that realizes the above-describedprocessing. Furthermore, the vehicle information generation unit 132 mayhave, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory(ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like, and execute a programby using them to realize the above-described processing. Of course, thevehicle information generation unit 132 may have both configurations,realize a part of the above-described processing by the logic circuit,and realize other by executing the program.

Furthermore, the vehicle unit 131 and the communication unit 133 canhave any configuration in addition to the above-described configuration.For example, the vehicle unit 131 and the communication unit 133 mayinclude a logic circuit that realizes a control process for controllingthe above-described configuration. Furthermore, the vehicle unit 131 andthe communication unit 133 may have, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM,and the like, and execute a program by using them to realize the controlprocess. Of course, the vehicle unit 131 and the communication unit 133may have both configurations, realize a part of the control process bythe logic circuit, and realize other by executing the program.

Note that the configurations of the individual processing units may beindependent from each other, and for example, a part of processing unitsmay realize processing by a logic circuit, another part of theprocessing units may realize processing by executing a program, andother processing units may realize processing by both the logic circuitand the execution of the program.

<Base Station>

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a main configuration ofthe base station 102, which is one aspect of an information processingapparatus to which the present technology is applied. As shown in FIG.4, the base station 102 includes a vehicle information acquisition unit141, an environment information acquisition unit 142, a control unit143, and a communication unit 144.

The vehicle information acquisition unit 141 performs processing relatedto acquisition of vehicle information. For example, the vehicleinformation acquisition unit 141 acquires vehicle information of thepatrol car 101 supplied from the communication unit 144. The vehicleinformation acquisition unit 141 supplies the acquired vehicleinformation to the control unit 143.

The environment information acquisition unit 142 performs processingrelated to acquisition of environment information. For example, theenvironment information acquisition unit 142 acquires environmentinformation (for example, a captured image, an analysis result of thecaptured image, an instruction command, and the like transmitted fromanother device) supplied from the communication unit 144. Theenvironment information acquisition unit 142 supplies the acquiredenvironment information to the control unit 143.

The control unit 143 performs processing related to control of theimaging device (the flying body 103 including the camera 112). Forexample, the control unit 143 acquires vehicle information supplied fromthe vehicle information acquisition unit 141. Furthermore, the controlunit 143 acquires the environment information supplied from theenvironment information acquisition unit 142. Moreover, the control unit143 controls the imaging device (the flying body 103 including thecamera 112) on the basis of the acquired vehicle information or on thebasis of the acquired vehicle information and environment information.

For example, the control unit 143 includes an imaging control unit 152.The imaging control unit 152 performs processing related to control ofimaging of a subject by the camera 112. For example, the imaging controlunit 152 generates imaging control information on the basis of thevehicle information or on the basis of the vehicle information and theenvironment information. Furthermore, the imaging control unit 152supplies the generated imaging control information to the communicationunit 144, and causes the communication unit 144 to transmit to theflying body 103 (camera 112). In accordance with this imaging controlinformation, the flying body 103 (camera 112) is driven. That is, theimaging control unit 152 controls imaging of a subject by the camera112, on the basis of the vehicle information or on the basis of thevehicle information and the environment information.

Furthermore, the control unit 143 may include a flight control unit 151.The flight control unit 151 performs processing related to control offlight by the flying body 103. For example, the flight control unit 151generates flight control information on the basis of the vehicleinformation or on the basis of the vehicle information and theenvironment information. Furthermore, the flight control unit 151supplies the generated flight control information to the communicationunit 144, and causes the communication unit 144 to transmit to theflying body 103. In accordance with this flight control information, theflying body 103 is driven. That is, the flight control unit 151 controlsflight of the flying body 103 on the basis of the vehicle information oron the basis of the vehicle information and the environment information.

Furthermore, the control unit 143 may include a vehicle control unit153. The vehicle control unit 153 performs processing related to controlof the patrol car 101, which is a vehicle. For example, the vehiclecontrol unit 153 generates vehicle control information on the basis ofthe vehicle information or on the basis of the vehicle information andthe environment information. Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 153supplies the generated vehicle control information to the communicationunit 144, and causes the communication unit 144 to transmit to thepatrol car 101. In accordance with this vehicle control information, thepatrol car 101 is driven. That is, the vehicle control unit 153 controlsthe patrol car 101, which is a vehicle, on the basis of the vehicleinformation or on the basis of the vehicle information and theenvironment information.

Furthermore, the control unit 143 may include a terminal control unit154. The terminal control unit 154 performs processing related tocontrol of the terminal device 104. For example, the terminal controlunit 154 generates terminal control information on the basis of thevehicle information or on the basis of the vehicle information and theenvironment information. Furthermore, the terminal control unit 154supplies the generated terminal control information to the communicationunit 144, and causes the communication unit 144 to transmit to theterminal device 104. The terminal device 104 is driven in accordancewith this the terminal control information, and performs imaging ordetects predetermined information by using a sensor, for example. Thatis, the terminal control unit 154 controls the terminal device 104 onthe basis of the vehicle information or on the basis of the vehicleinformation and the environment information.

Furthermore, the control unit 143 may include a server processing unit155. The server processing unit 155 performs processing on the centralcontrol server 105. For example, the server processing unit 155exchanges information with the central control server 105, via thecommunication unit 144. For example, the server processing unit 155acquires, from the communication unit 144, environment information (aninstruction command) transmitted from the central control server 105 andreceived by the communication unit 144. The server processing unit 155supplies the acquired environment information (instruction command) to aprocessing unit corresponding to the instruction command, among theflight control unit 151 to the terminal control unit 154. Furthermore,for example, the server processing unit 155 acquires, from thecommunication unit 144, streaming data of a captured image transmittedfrom the flying body 103 (camera 112) and received by the communicationunit 144. The server processing unit 155 supplies the acquired streamingdata to the communication unit 144, and causes the communication unit144 to transmit to the central control server 105 (preforms streamingdistribution of the captured image to the central control server 105).

The communication unit 144 has a communication interface, andcommunicates with other devices via the communication interface. Anyscheme (standard) may be adopted for this communication, and wirelesscommunication, wired communication, or both may be adopted.

For example, the communication unit 144 communicates with the patrol car101 (communication unit 133), and receives vehicle informationtransmitted from the patrol car 101. The communication unit 144 suppliesthe vehicle information to the vehicle information acquisition unit 141.Furthermore, the communication unit 144 may communicate with the flyingbody 103 (a communication unit 165 to be described later), to receiveenvironment information (such as a captured image) transmitted from theflying body 103. Moreover, the communication unit 144 may communicatewith the terminal device 104 (a communication unit 175 to be describedlater), to receive environment information (a captured image or thelike) transmitted from the terminal device 104. Furthermore, thecommunication unit 144 may communicate with the central control server105 (a communication unit 183 to be described later), to receiveenvironment information (an instruction command or the like) transmittedfrom the central control server 105. The communication unit 144 suppliesthe received environment information to the environment informationacquisition unit 142.

Furthermore, for example, the communication unit 144 communicates withthe flying body 103 (communication unit 165), and transmits imagingcontrol information supplied from the control unit 143 (imaging controlunit 152), to the flying body 103 (communication unit 165). Furthermore,the communication unit 144 may communicate with the flying body 103 totransmit the flight control information supplied from the control unit143 (flight control unit 151), to the flying body 103.

Furthermore, the communication unit 144 may communicate with the patrolcar 101 (communication unit 133) to transmit the vehicle controlinformation supplied from the control unit 143 (vehicle control unit153), to the patrol car 101. Moreover, the communication unit 144 maycommunicate with the terminal device 104 to transmit the terminalcontrol information supplied from the control unit 143 (terminal controlunit 154), to the terminal device 104 (communication unit 175).Furthermore, the communication unit 144 may communicate with the centralcontrol server 105 (communication unit 183) to transmit streaming datasupplied from the control unit 143 (server processing unit 155), to thecentral control server 105.

Note that each processing unit of the vehicle information acquisitionunit 141 to the control unit 143 can have any configuration. Forexample, each processing unit may be configured by a logic circuit thatrealizes the above-described processing. Furthermore, each of theprocessing units may include, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and thelike, and execute a program by using them to realize the above-describedprocessing. Of course, each processing unit may have bothconfigurations, realize a part of the above-described processing by thelogic circuit, and realize other by executing the program.

Furthermore, the communication unit 144 can have any configuration inaddition to the above-described communication interface. For example,the communication unit 144 may include a logic circuit that realizes thecontrol process for controlling the above-described communicationinterface. Furthermore, the communication unit 144 may have, forexample, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and execute a program byusing them to realize the control process. Of course, the communicationunit 144 may have both configurations, realize a part of the controlprocess by the logic circuit, and realize other by executing theprogram.

Note that the configurations of the individual processing units (thevehicle information acquisition unit 141 to the communication unit 144)may be independent from each other, for example, a part of processingunits may realize processing by a logic circuit, another part of theprocessing units may realize processing by executing a program, andother processing units may realize processing by both the logic circuitand the execution of the program.

Note that, in a case where the environment information is not used, theenvironment information acquisition unit 142 can be omitted.Furthermore, in a case where the control unit 143 does not controlflight of the flying body 103, the flight control unit 151 can beomitted. Moreover, in a case where the control unit 143 does not controlthe patrol car 101, the vehicle control unit 153 can be omitted.Furthermore, in a case where the control unit 143 does not control theterminal device 104, the terminal control unit 154 can be omitted.Moreover, in a case where the control unit 143 does not exchangeinformation with the central control server 105, the server processingunit 155 can be omitted.

<Flying Body>

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a main configuration ofthe flying body 103, which is one aspect of an imaging device (or amobile body), to which the present technology is applied. As shown inFIG. 5, the flying body 103 has a flight unit 161, an imaging unit 162,an environment information generation unit 163, a streaming processingunit 164, and the communication unit 165.

The flight unit 161 has a configuration related to flight of the flyingbody 103, and performs processing related to flight of the flying body103. The configuration related to the flight includes, for example, apropeller, a motor, a control unit configured to control these, and thelike. For example, the flight unit 161 drives these configurations tocause the flying body 103 to fly. Furthermore, the flight unit 161 has aconfiguration for acquiring information to be included in theenvironment information, from the configuration related to flight. Theinformation to be included in the environment information includes, forexample, information regarding flight such as a location, a position (anorientation, an inclination, and the like), a speed, and a rotationspeed of the propeller of the flying body 103. Furthermore, informationregarding surroundings of the flying body 103 such as a temperature anda wind speed may be included.

Furthermore, such a configuration for acquiring information to beincluded in the environment information may include a configuration foracquiring information regarding flight, such as, for example, apositioning unit configured to measure a location of the flying body 103by using a GPS signal or the like, a gyro sensor configured to detect aposition and a speed, and a sensor configured to detect a rotation speedof a propeller. Furthermore, a configuration for acquiring informationregarding surroundings of the flying body 103, such as a temperaturesensor and a wind speed sensor, may be included. Moreover, a controlunit configured to control these sensors and the like may be included.

The flight unit 161 acquires flight control information (flight controlinformation transmitted from the base station 102) supplied from thecommunication unit 165. The flight unit 161 causes the flying body 103to fly in accordance with the acquired flight control information.Furthermore, the flight unit 161 acquires information to be included inthe environment information, and supplies the information to theenvironment information generation unit 163.

The imaging unit 162 includes, for example, the camera 112, and acontrol unit configured to control driving and a position (anorientation, an inclination, and the like) of the camera 112, andperforms processing related to imaging of a subject. For example, theimaging unit 162 acquires imaging control information (imaging controlinformation transmitted from the base station 102) supplied from thecommunication unit 165. The imaging unit 162 captures an image of asubject by using the camera 112 in accordance with the acquired imagingcontrol information.

For example, the imaging unit 162 sets parameters related to imaging(exposure, a timing, a shutter speed, an imaging location, an imagingdirection, an angle of view, image processing, and the like) inaccordance with the imaging control information, and performs imaging togenerate a captured image. The imaging unit 162 supplies the generatedcaptured image to the environment information generation unit 163, asinformation to be included in the environment information. Furthermore,the imaging unit 162 may analyze the generated captured image forpredetermined information, and supply an analysis result to theenvironment information generation unit 163 as information to beincluded in the environment information. Moreover, the imaging unit 162may supply the generated captured image to the streaming processing unit164.

The environment information generation unit 163 performs processingrelated to generation of environment information. For example, theenvironment information generation unit 163 acquires a captured image(or an analysis result thereof) supplied from the imaging unit 162. Theenvironment information generation unit 163 generates environmentinformation including the captured image (or the analysis resultthereof), and supplies the generated environment information to thecommunication unit 165. Furthermore, for example, the environmentinformation generation unit 163 acquires information regarding flightsupplied from the flight unit 161, as information to be included in theenvironment information. Furthermore, the environment informationgeneration unit 163 acquires information regarding surroundings of theflying body 103 supplied from the flight unit 161, as information to beincluded in the environment information. The environment informationgeneration unit 163 generates environment information including thesepieces of information, and supplies the generated environmentinformation to the communication unit 165.

The streaming processing unit 164 performs processing related tostreaming distribution of a captured image. For example, the streamingprocessing unit 164 acquires a captured image (flying body capturedimage) supplied from the imaging unit 162. The streaming processing unit164 supplies the flying body captured image to the communication unit165 as streaming data.

The communication unit 165 has a communication interface, andcommunicates with other devices via the communication interface. Anyscheme (standard) may be adopted for this communication, and wirelesscommunication, wired communication, or both may be adopted.

For example, the communication unit 165 communicates with the basestation 102 (communication unit 144), to receive imaging controlinformation transmitted from the base station 102. The communicationunit 165 supplies the received imaging control information to theimaging unit 162. As a result, the imaging unit 162 can perform imagingon the basis of the imaging control information.

Furthermore, the communication unit 165 may communicate with the basestation 102 (communication unit 144), to receive flight controlinformation transmitted from the base station 102. In this case, thecommunication unit 165 supplies the received flight control informationto the flight unit 161. As a result, the flight unit 161 can fly on thebasis of the flight control information.

Furthermore, the communication unit 165 may acquire environmentinformation supplied from the environment information generation unit163, communicate with the base station 102 (the communication unit 144),and transmit the environment information to the base station 102.Moreover, the communication unit 165 may acquire streaming data (aflying body captured image) supplied from the streaming processing unit164, communicate with the base station 102 (the communication unit 144),and transmit the streaming data to the base station 102.

Note that, each processing unit of the environment informationgeneration unit 163 and the streaming processing unit 164 can have anyconfiguration. For example, each processing unit may be configured by alogic circuit that realizes the above-described processing. Furthermore,each of the processing units may include, for example, a CPU, a ROM, aRAM, and the like, and execute a program by using them to realize theabove-described processing. Of course, each processing unit may haveboth configurations, realize a part of the above-described processing bythe logic circuit, and realize other by executing the program.

Furthermore, each of the processing units of the flight unit 161, theimaging unit 162, and the communication unit 165 can have anyconfiguration in addition to the above-described configuration. Forexample, each processing unit may include a logic circuit that realizesa control process for controlling the above-described configuration.Furthermore, each processing unit may have, for example, a CPU, a ROM, aRAM, and the like, and execute a program by using them to realize thecontrol process. Of course, each processing unit may have bothconfigurations, realize a part of the control process by the logiccircuit, and realize other by executing the program.

Note that the configurations of the individual processing units may beindependent from each other, and for example, a part of processing unitsmay realize processing by a logic circuit, another part of theprocessing units may realize processing by executing a program, andother processing units may realize processing by both the logic circuitand the execution of the program.

Note that, in a case where the flying body 103 does not output theenvironment information, the environment information generation unit 163can be omitted. Furthermore, in a case where streaming distribution of acaptured image is not performed, the streaming processing unit 164 canbe omitted.

<Terminal Device>

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a main configuration ofthe terminal device 104, which is one aspect of an informationprocessing apparatus to which the present technology is applied. Asshown in FIG. 6, the terminal device 104 includes an imaging unit 171, asensor unit 172, a streaming processing unit 173, an environmentinformation generation unit 174, and the communication unit 175.

The imaging unit 171 performs processing related to imaging of asubject. For example, the imaging unit 171 sets parameters related toimaging (exposure, a timing, a shutter speed, an imaging location, animaging direction, an angle of view, image processing, and the like),and captures an image of a subject to generate a captured image.Furthermore, the imaging unit 171 supplies the captured image to theenvironment information generation unit 174, as information to beincluded in the environment information. Note that, the imaging unit 171may analyze the generated captured image for predetermined information,and supply an analysis result to the environment information generationunit 174 as information to be included in the environment information.Moreover, the imaging unit 171 may supply the generated captured imageto the streaming processing unit 173.

Furthermore, for example, the imaging unit 171 may acquire terminalcontrol information (terminal control information transmitted from thebase station 102) supplied from the communication unit 175. Then, theimaging unit 171 may perform the above-described processing (imaging orthe like) on the basis of the terminal control information.

The sensor unit 172 includes a sensor, a control unit configured tocontrol the sensor, and the like, and performs processing related toinformation detection. This sensor may detect any information. Forexample, this sensor may be a sensor configured to detect a state aroundthe police officer 113, such as a microphone, a temperature sensor, ahumidity sensor, a brightness sensor, or an invisible light sensor ofinfrared rays and the like, may be a sensor configured to detect aposition and a motion of the terminal device 104, such as a gyro sensor,or may be a sensor configured to detect biological information of thepolice officer 113, such as a heart rate, a pulse, and a line-of-sightdirection. Furthermore, any number of sensors may be included in thesensor unit 172. The number may be singular or plural. Furthermore, thesensor unit 172 may include a plurality of sensors that detectsdifferent types of information. Of course, one sensor may be able todetect a plurality of types of information.

The sensor unit 172 supplies information (sensor information) detectedusing such a sensor to the environment information generation unit 174,as information to be included in the environment information. Note that,for example, the sensor unit 172 may acquire terminal controlinformation (terminal control information transmitted from the basestation 102) supplied from the communication unit 175. Then, the sensorunit 172 may perform the above-described processing (informationdetection or the like) on the basis of the terminal control information.

The streaming processing unit 173 performs processing related tostreaming distribution of a captured image (terminal captured image)generated by the imaging unit 171. For example, the streaming processingunit 173 acquires a captured image supplied from the imaging unit 171.The streaming processing unit 173 supplies the captured image to thecommunication unit 175 as streaming data.

The environment information generation unit 174 performs processingrelated to generation of environment information. For example, theenvironment information generation unit 174 acquires a terminal capturedimage (or an analysis result thereof) supplied from the imaging unit171. The environment information generation unit 174 generatesenvironment information including the terminal captured image (or theanalysis result thereof), and supplies the generated environmentinformation to the communication unit 175. Furthermore, for example, theenvironment information generation unit 174 acquires sensor informationsupplied from the sensor unit 172, as information to be included in theenvironment information. The environment information generation unit 174generates environment information including the sensor information, andsupplies the generated environment information to the communication unit175.

The communication unit 175 has a communication interface, andcommunicates with other devices via the communication interface. Anyscheme (standard) may be adopted for this communication, and wirelesscommunication, wired communication, or both may be adopted.

For example, the communication unit 175 acquires the environmentinformation supplied from the environment information generation unit174, communicates with the base station 102 (the communication unit144), and transmits the environment information to the base station 102.Furthermore, the communication unit 175 acquires streaming data suppliedfrom the streaming processing unit 173, communicates with the basestation 102 (the communication unit 144), and transmits the streamingdata to the base station 102.

Moreover, the communication unit 175 communicates with the base station102 (communication unit 144), to receive terminal control informationtransmitted from the base station 102. The communication unit 175supplies the received terminal control information to the imaging unit171 and the sensor unit 172. As a result, the imaging unit 171 and thesensor unit 172 can perform imaging on the basis of the terminal controlinformation.

Note that each processing unit of the streaming processing unit 173 andthe environment information generation unit 174 can have anyconfiguration. For example, each processing unit may be configured by alogic circuit that realizes the above-described processing. Furthermore,each of the processing units may include, for example, a CPU, a ROM, aRAM, and the like, and execute a program by using them to realize theabove-described processing. Of course, each processing unit may haveboth configurations, realize a part of the above-described processing bythe logic circuit, and realize other by executing the program.

Furthermore, each processing unit of the imaging unit 171, the sensorunit 172, and the communication unit 175 can have any configuration inaddition to the above-described configuration. For example, eachprocessing unit may include a logic circuit that realizes a controlprocess for controlling the above-described configuration. Furthermore,each processing unit may have, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and thelike, and execute a program by using them to realize the controlprocess. Of course, each processing unit may have both configurations,realize a part of the control process by the logic circuit, and realizeother by executing the program.

Note that the configurations of the individual processing units may beindependent from each other, and for example, a part of processing unitsmay realize processing by a logic circuit, another part of theprocessing units may realize processing by executing a program, andother processing units may realize processing by both the logic circuitand the execution of the program.

Note that, in a case where the terminal device 104 does not output theenvironment information, the environment information generation unit 174can be omitted. Furthermore, in a case where streaming distribution of acaptured image is not performed, the streaming processing unit 173 canbe omitted.

<Central Control Server>

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a main configuration ofthe central control server 105, which is one aspect of an informationprocessing apparatus to which the present technology is applied. Asshown in FIG. 7, the central control server 105 includes an instructioncommand generation unit 181, a streaming processing unit 182, and thecommunication unit 183.

The instruction command generation unit 181 performs processing relatedto generation of an instruction command for another device of the patrolsupport system 100. The instruction command generation unit 181receives, for example, a user (operator) operation on a user interface(not illustrated), and generates an instruction command on the basis ofthe user operation or the like. The instruction command generation unit181 supplies the generated instruction command to the communication unit183, as environment information.

The communication unit 183 has a communication interface, andcommunicates with other devices via the communication interface. Anyscheme (standard) may be adopted for this communication, and wirelesscommunication, wired communication, or both may be adopted.

For example, the communication unit 183 acquires the environmentinformation (including the instruction command) supplied from theinstruction command generation unit 181, and communicates with the basestation 102 (communication unit 144), and transmits the environmentinformation (instruction command) to the base station 102. Furthermore,the communication unit 183 receives streaming data transmitted from thebase station 102, and supplies the streaming data to the streamingprocessing unit 182.

Moreover, the streaming processing unit 182 acquires the streaming datasupplied from the communication unit 183, and reproduces and displaysthe streaming data. As a result, an operator can view a captured imagein the streaming distribution. As a result, the operator can more easilygrasp a situation around the patrol car 101 and the police officer 113.Therefore, a more appropriate instruction command can be performed inaccordance with the situation.

Note that each processing unit of the instruction command generationunit 181 and the streaming processing unit 182 can have anyconfiguration. For example, each processing unit may be configured by alogic circuit that realizes the above-described processing. Furthermore,each of the processing units may include, for example, a CPU, a ROM, aRAM, and the like, and execute a program by using them to realize theabove-described processing. Of course, each processing unit may haveboth configurations, realize a part of the above-described processing bythe logic circuit, and realize other by executing the program.

Furthermore, the communication unit 183 can individually have anyconfiguration in addition to the above-described configuration. Forexample, the communication unit 183 may include a logic circuit thatrealizes a control process for controlling the above-describedconfiguration. Furthermore, each processing unit may have, for example,a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and execute a program by using themto realize the control process. Of course, each processing unit may haveboth configurations, realize a part of the control process by the logiccircuit, and realize other by executing the program.

Note that the configurations of the individual processing units may beindependent from each other, and for example, a part of processing unitsmay realize processing by a logic circuit, another part of theprocessing units may realize processing by executing a program, andother processing units may realize processing by both the logic circuitand the execution of the program.

Note that, in a case where streaming distribution of the captured imageis not performed, the streaming processing unit 182 can be omitted.

Each device has the above-described configuration and performs theabove-described processing, which makes it possible to easily performimaging according to more various situations.

<Flow of System Control Process>

Next, an example of a flow of a control process executed by each deviceof the patrol support system 100 will be described with reference to aflowchart of FIG. 8.

When the control process is started, the vehicle information generationunit 132 of the patrol car 101 generates, in step S111, vehicleinformation including information supplied from the vehicle unit 131.Then, the communication unit 133 supplies the vehicle information to thebase station 102. In step S101, the communication unit 144 of the basestation 102 acquires the vehicle information.

Furthermore, in step S121, the environment information generation unit174 of the terminal device 104 generates environment informationincluding a terminal captured image. Then, the communication unit 175supplies the environment information to the base station 102. In stepS102, the communication unit 144 of the base station 102 acquires theenvironment information.

Furthermore, in step S141, the environment information generation unit163 of the flying body 103 generates environment information including aflying body captured image. Then, the communication unit 165 suppliesthe environment information to the base station 102. In step S103, thecommunication unit 144 of the base station 102 acquires the environmentinformation.

Furthermore, in step S131, the instruction command generation unit 181of the central control server 105 generates (environment informationincluding) an instruction command. Then, the communication unit 183supplies the instruction command to the base station 102. In step S104,the communication unit 144 of the base station 102 acquires theenvironment information (instruction command).

In step S105, the control unit 143 of the base station 102 generatescontrol information by appropriately using the information acquired insteps S101 to S104. For example, the imaging control unit 152 generatesimaging control information by appropriately using the supplied vehicleinformation and environment information. Furthermore, for example, theflight control unit 151 generates flight control information byappropriately using the supplied vehicle information and environmentinformation.

Note that, in step S105, the vehicle control unit 153 may generatevehicle control information by appropriately using the supplied vehicleinformation and environment information. Furthermore, the terminalcontrol unit 154 may generate the terminal control information byappropriately using the supplied vehicle information and environmentinformation.

In step S106, the communication unit 144 of the base station 102transmits control information such as the imaging control informationand the vehicle control information generated in step S105, to theflying body 103.

In step S142, the communication unit 165 of the flying body 103 acquiresthe control information (such as the imaging control information and thevehicle control information). The flight unit 161 of the flying body 103performs flight in accordance with the flight control information.Furthermore, the imaging unit 162 of the flying body 103 captures animage of a subject in accordance with the imaging control information.

In this way, by controlling imaging and flight by the flying body 103(camera 112) on the basis of the vehicle information, imaging accordingto more various situations can be more easily performed.

Note that, in a case where the vehicle control information is generatedin step S105, the communication unit 144 may transmit the vehiclecontrol information to the communication unit 133 of the patrol car 101in step S106. In that case, the vehicle unit 131 is driven in accordancewith the vehicle control information acquired by the communication unit133.

Furthermore, in a case where the terminal control information isgenerated in step S105, the communication unit 144 may transmit theterminal control information to the communication unit 175 of theterminal device 104 in step S106. In that case, the imaging unit 171 andthe sensor unit 172 perform processing in accordance with the terminalcontrol information acquired by the communication unit 175.

<Flow of Flying Body Control Process>

Next, for example, an example of a flow of a flying body control processexecuted by the base station 102 in step S105 and the like in FIG. 8will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9.

When the flying body control process is started, in step S201, thevehicle information acquisition unit 141 acquires vehicle informationtransmitted from the patrol car 101, via the communication unit 144.

In step S202, the environment information acquisition unit 142 acquiresenvironment information transmitted from the flying body 103 and theterminal device 104, via the communication unit 144.

In step S203, the flight control unit 151 generates flight controlinformation on the basis of the vehicle information acquired in stepS201, or on the basis of the vehicle information and the environmentinformation acquired in step S202.

In step S204, the communication unit 144 transmits the flight controlinformation generated in step S203 to the flying body 103. The flyingbody 103 flies in accordance with the flight control information. Thatis, the flight control unit 151 of the base station 102 controls flightof the flying body 103 on the basis of the vehicle information or on thebasis of the vehicle information and the environment information.

Furthermore, in step S205, the imaging control unit 152 generatesimaging control information on the basis of the vehicle informationacquired in step S201 or on the basis of the vehicle information and theenvironment information acquired in step S202.

In step S206, the communication unit 144 transmits the imaging controlinformation generated in step S205 to the flying body 103 (camera 112).The flying body 103 captures an image of a subject in accordance withthe imaging control information. That is, the imaging control unit 152of the base station 102 controls imaging of a subject by the camera 112,on the basis of the vehicle information or on the basis of the vehicleinformation and the environment information.

When the process of step S206 ends, the flying body control processends. Executing each process in this way enables imaging according tomore various situations to be more easily performed.

2. USE CASE 1-1 (LANDING CONTROL)

Next, a specific example of a method of controlling the flying body 103and the camera 112 based on vehicle information or the like will bedescribed. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, in an initial state, it isassumed that the patrol car 101 is stopped and the flying body 103 isflying in the sky. In such a state, on the basis of an action, asituation, and the like around starting of the patrol car 101, the basestation 102 controls the flying body 103, to land on the base station102.

In such landing control, the base station 102 may control the flyingbody 103 to land on the base station 102 when the patrol car 101 starts(accelerates from 0 km/h). In this case, when the base station 102detects starting of the patrol car 101, for example, on the basis ofvehicle speed information included in the vehicle information, the basestation 102 generates flight control information for causing the flyingbody 103 to land on the base station 102 (a predetermined location), andtransmits the flight control information to the flying body 103. Inaccordance with the flight control information, the flying body 103lands on the base station 102.

Furthermore, the base station 102 may control the flying body 103 toland on the base station 102 when the started patrol car 101 acceleratesto reach a predetermined speed (for example, 10 km/h or the like). Inthis case, when the base station 102 detects that the speed of thepatrol car 101 has reached the predetermined speed, for example, on thebasis of the vehicle speed information included in the vehicleinformation, the base station 102 generates flight control informationfor causing the flying body 103 to land on the base station 102 (apredetermined location), and transmits the flight control information tothe flying body 103. In accordance with the flight control information,the flying body 103 lands on the base station 102.

Moreover, the base station 102 may control the flying body 103 to landon the base station 102, when a predetermined starting preparationaction is performed (before starting) by the police officer 113 or thelike in the patrol car 101. This starting preparation action may be anyaction. For example, the starting preparation operation may be openingand closing of a door (of a driver's seat) of the patrol car 101,wearing of a seat belt, gripping of a steering wheel, turning ON of anengine key, releasing of a brake pedal, a shift lever operation, parkingbrake release, turning on of a rotating light, or the like. Furthermore,the starting preparation action may be other actions. Furthermore, thestarting preparation action may be a combination of a plurality ofactions. For example, in a case where a steering wheel operation,release of a brake pedal, or the like is detected in a state where thedoor is closed, it may be determined as the starting preparation action.

In this case, when the base station 102 detects the starting preparationaction, for example, on the basis of vehicle operation information,vehicle equipment information, or the like included in the vehicleinformation, the base station 102 generates flight control informationfor causing the flying body 103 to land on the base station 102 (apredetermined location), and transmits the flight control information tothe flying body 103. In accordance with the flight control information,the flying body 103 lands on the base station 102.

Note that the base station 102 may terminate imaging by the camera 112in a case of causing the flying body 103 to land as described above. Forexample, when the base station 102 detects a trigger condition such asstarting of the patrol car 101, acceleration of the patrol car 101 to apredetermined speed, and the starting preparation action of the patrolcar 101 as described above on the basis of the vehicle information, thebase station 102 transmits flight control information to the flying body103 to cause the flying body 103 to land, and transmits imaging controlinformation to the flying body 103 (camera 112) to terminate imaging bythe camera 112.

In general, a moving speed of the flying body 103 (about 10 km/h to 20km/h) is lower than a normal moving speed of the patrol car 101 (forexample, about 40 km/h to 50 km/h). Therefore, it is difficult to movethe patrol car 101 at the normal moving speed while causing the flyingbody 103 to fly. In other words, it is difficult to cause the flyingbody 103 to fly normally while the patrol car 101 is moving at thenormal moving speed. That is, it becomes difficult for the camera 112 toperform imaging in a meaningful state, and even if imaging is performed,there is a high possibility that only a captured image that is unstableand difficult to use for patrol support can be obtained. That is, evenif the flying body 103 is caused to fly to capture an image while thepatrol car 101 is moving at the normal moving speed, a contributiondegree to patrol support has been low, and conversely, there has been apossibility of reducing safety. Furthermore, there has been also apossibility that the flying body 103 is broken due to the unstableflight.

Therefore, by causing the flying body 103 to land on the base station102 as described above in response to starting of the patrol car 101,the police officer 113 who drives the patrol car 101 can move the patrolcar 101 more easily, safely, and at a high speed.

Note that, in this case, a captured image captured and generated by thecamera 112 of the flying body 103 until an end of the imaging may berecorded at any place. For example, the base station 102 may record thecaptured image. Furthermore, the central control server 105 may recordthe captured image. Moreover, another device may record the capturedimage.

3. USE CASE 1-2 (ALTITUDE CONTROL)

Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, a flight altitude of theflying body 103 (flying body altitude) may be controlled (that is, analtitude of the camera 112 is controlled) in accordance with a movingspeed (vehicle speed) of the patrol car 101. For example, the basestation 102 may perform control so as to lower the flying body altitudeas the vehicle speed is higher, and to increase the flying body altitudeas the vehicle speed is lower.

For example, if the vehicle speed is sufficiently low (for example,about 20 km/h or less), it is possible to move while causing the flyingbody 103 to fly. However, as the vehicle speed increases, the flight ofthe flying body 103 tends to become unstable. Therefore, as describedabove, the base station 102 controls the flight altitude of the flyingbody in accordance with the vehicle speed, to lower the flying bodyaltitude as the vehicle speed is higher, and to increase the flying bodyaltitude as the vehicle speed is lower. For example, the base station102 causes the flying body 103 to fly at a highest altitude in a casewhere the patrol car 101 is stopped, lowers the altitude of the flyingbody 103 as the moving speed of the patrol car 101 is higher, and causesthe flying body 103 to land on the base station 102 when the speed ofthe patrol car 101 reaches a predetermined limit speed. Note that, whenthe flying body 103 is caused to land on the base station 102, the basestation 102 may terminate imaging by the camera 112.

In such altitude control, for example, when the base station 102 detectsa moving speed of the patrol car 101 on the basis of vehicle speedinformation included in vehicle information, the base station 102generates flight control information for causing the flying body 103 tofly at an altitude corresponding to the moving speed, and transmits theflight control information to the flying body 103. The flying body 103flies at an altitude designated by the flight control information.

By performing the altitude control in this way, the patrol supportsystem 100 can cause the flying body 103 to fly more safely (performimaging more safely) at more various vehicle speeds (moving speeds ofthe patrol car 101). That is, the patrol support system 100 can moreappropriately perform patrol support under more various situations.

Note that, moreover, the altitude of the flying body 103 may becontrolled on the basis of a flying body captured image (environmentinformation) captured and generated by the camera 112. For example, in acase where the flying body captured image is analyzed and an obstaclesuch as a signal or a roof is detected, the flight altitude may belowered in order to avoid the obstacle while flying. Note that, suchaltitude control of the flying body 103 based on the flying bodycaptured image may be performed by the flying body 103 (camera 112)itself or may be performed by the base station 102.

Furthermore, the base station 102 may be able to control any parameterrelated to imaging, together with the flight altitude. For example, anyparameter related to imaging may be controlled, such as imagingstart/end, resolution, an aperture, sensitivity, a depth of field, anangle of view (zoom, pan, tilt), an orientation, image processing (suchas white balance adjustment and filter processing), or the like.

Note that, in this case, a captured image captured and generated by thecamera 112 of the flying body 103 until an end of the imaging may berecorded at any place. For example, the base station 102 may record thecaptured image. Furthermore, the central control server 105 may recordthe captured image. Moreover, another device may record the capturedimage.

4. USE CASE 2 (TAKE-OFF CONTROL)

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, in an initial state, it is assumedthat the patrol car 101 is moving and the flying body 103 has landed onthe base station 102. In such a state, on the basis of an action, asituation, and the like around stopping of the patrol car 101, the basestation 102 controls the flying body 103 to take off from the basestation 102.

In a case where the police officer 113 who is a driver stops the patrolcar 101 during patrol, there is a possibility that the police officer113 performs some kind of activity. For example, it is conceivable thatthe police officer 113 gets off the patrol car 101 and transitions topatrol on foot, or performs police checkup on a suspicious person.Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the police officer 113 monitorsthe vicinity of the patrol car 101 from inside of the car. In order tosupport such an activity, the base station 102 causes the flying body103 to take off in response to the stop of the patrol car 101, andcauses the camera 112 to start imaging. Doing in such a way makes itpossible to support the police officer 113 by using the flying bodycaptured image generated in the camera 112. For example, surroundings ofthe patrol car 101 and the police officer 113 can be monitored using theflying body captured image, and the police officer 113 and the like canbe notified of necessary information as appropriate. Furthermore, forexample, the flying body captured image can be analyzed to detect anoccurrence of abnormality, an appearance of a suspicious person, or thelike, and the occurrence of abnormality, danger, or the like can benotified to the police officer 113. Moreover, for example, on the basisof the flying body captured image, it is possible to show the way orguide the police officer 113 or the patrol car 101. Furthermore, forexample, a behavior of the police officer 113 can be monitored orrecorded on the basis of the flying body captured image.

In such take-off control, the base station 102 may control the flyingbody 103 to take off from the base station 102 when the patrol car 101stops (when the patrol car 101 decelerates to reach 0 km/h). In thiscase, when the base station 102 detects the stop of the patrol car 101on the basis of, for example, vehicle speed information included invehicle information, the base station 102 generates flight controlinformation for causing the flying body 103 to take off from the basestation 102 (a predetermined location), and transmits the flight controlinformation to the flying body 103. The flying body 103 takes off fromthe base station 102 in accordance with the flight control information.

Furthermore, the base station 102 may control the flying body 103 totake off from the base station 102 when the started patrol car 101decelerates to reach a predetermined speed or less (for example, 20 km/hor less, or the like). In this case, when the base station 102 detectsthat the speed of the patrol car 101 has decelerated to a predeterminedspeed or less on the basis of, for example, vehicle speed informationincluded in vehicle information, the base station 102 generates flightcontrol information for causing the flying body 103 to take off from thebase station 102 (a predetermined location), and transmits the flightcontrol information to the flying body 103. The flying body 103 takesoff from the base station 102 in accordance with the flight controlinformation.

Note that, in a case where the flying body 103 is caused to take off asdescribed above, the base station 102 may cause the camera 112 to startimaging. For example, when the base station 102 detects a stop of thepatrol car 101 or deceleration of the patrol car 101 to a predeterminedspeed or less as described above on the basis of the vehicleinformation, the base station 102 transmits flight control informationto the flying body 103 to cause the flying body 103 to take off, andtransmits imaging control information to the flying body 103 (camera112) to start imaging by the camera 112.

Note that the police officer 113 may drive the patrol car 101 even in acase of not being on patrol. For example, there is a case where thepolice officer 113 drives the patrol car 101 to go to work from home orreturn home. Furthermore, for example, there may be a case where thepolice officer 113 moves by driving the patrol car 101 in a policestation and the like. Moreover, there may be a case where the policeofficer 113 drives the patrol car 101 to have a meal during a break.Since these cases are not patrol, it is not necessary to cause theflying body 103 to fly to monitor the surroundings.

Therefore, only in a case where a condition indicating being on patrolis satisfied, the control may be performed so as to cause the flyingbody 103 to take off in response to a stop of the patrol car 101. Thecondition indicating being on patrol may be any condition. For example,in a case where the engine is not turned off (remains on) for apredetermined time (for example, several seconds) after the patrol car101 is stopped, the base station 102 may control the flying body 103 totake off as described above.

Furthermore, for example, in a case where a door of the patrol car 101is opened after the patrol car 101 is stopped, the base station 102 maycontrol the flying body 103 to take off as described above. Moreover,for example, in a case where the patrol car 101 stops while turning onthe rotating light, the base station 102 may control the flying body 103to take off as described above.

Furthermore, for example, in a case where a stop location of the patrolcar 101 is determined on the basis of vehicle location and positioninformation (including a positioning result or the like using a GPSsignal) of the vehicle information, and it is determined that the stoplocation of the patrol car 101 is a place other than a pre-registeredplace such as a police station or a home, for example, the base station102 may control the flying body 103 to take off as described above.

Moreover, the base station 102 may cause the camera 112 to start imagingwhen causing the flying body 103 to take off as described above.Furthermore, the base station 102 may perform streaming distribution ofa flying body captured image generated by the camera 112, to the centralcontrol server 105, for example. Moreover, the flying body capturedimage generated by the camera 112 may be recorded at any place. Forexample, the base station 102 may record the captured image.Furthermore, the central control server 105 may record the capturedimage. Moreover, another device may record the captured image.

Furthermore, the base station 102 may cause the flying body 103 havingtaken off to ascend to the highest altitude to monitor surroundings(capture an image of surroundings) of the patrol car 101. Then, in acase where the police officer 113 gets off the patrol car 101, the basestation 102 may cause the flying body 103 having ascended to the highestaltitude to descend and capture an image of surroundings of the policeofficer 113. Doing in such a way makes it possible to cause the flyingbody 103 to monitor surroundings of the patrol car 101 in a case wherethe police officer 113 is in the vehicle, and to monitor surroundings ofthe police officer 113 in a case where the police officer 113 gets offthe vehicle. That is, imaging according to more various situations canbe more easily performed. As a result, the patrol support system 100 canmore appropriately support in more various situations.

Moreover, the base station 102 may control an angle of view and the likefor imaging of a subject by the camera 112. For example, as describedabove, in a case of causing the flying body 103 having taken off toascend to the highest altitude and monitor surroundings (capture animage of surroundings) of the patrol car 101, the base station 102 setsan angle of view of the camera 112 to a wide angle. Furthermore, in acase of capturing an image of surroundings of the police officer 113 byusing the flying body 103, the base station 102 sets the angle of viewof the camera 112 to a narrow angle. Doing in such a way enables imagingto be performed at an appropriate angle of view according to a subject.As a result, the patrol support system 100 can more appropriatelysupport in more various situations.

Note that, although the control of the angle of view has been describedabove, the base station 102 can control any parameter related to imagingwithout limiting to the angle of view. For example, panoramic imaging,depth estimation, and stitching may be performed.

5. USE CASE 3 (TRACKING)

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the base station 102 controls theflying body 103 to track the police officer 113 so as to capture animage of the police officer 113 who gets off the patrol car 101 andsurroundings.

Doing in such a way allows the patrol support system 100 to supportbehavior monitoring and the like of the police officer 113, and tosupport safety management and the like of the police officer 113.

For example, the base station 102 determines (or estimates) a locationof the police officer 113 in order to cause the flying body 103 to trackthe police officer 113. Any method may adopted for this. For example, alocation of the police officer 113 may be derived from a GPS signal orthe like by using the terminal device 104 carried by the police officer113. Furthermore, the base station 102 determines whether or not thepolice officer 113 has gotten off the patrol car 101. For example, itmay be determined whether or not the police officer 113 has gotten offthe vehicle, on the basis of location information of the police officer113 (terminal device 104) derived by the terminal device 104, detectionof opening and closing of a door, an analysis result of a terminalcaptured image generated by the terminal device 104, or the like.

In such tracking control, the base station 102 may record a capturedimage when the patrol car 101 starts tracking. This recording may beperformed in the base station 102, may be performed in the centralcontrol server 105, or may be performed in another device. Furthermore,streaming distribution of the captured image may be started.Furthermore, a bookmark may be inserted or metadata may be added to thecaptured image, together with the start of tracking. Note that, such anevent may be triggered in a case where the police officer 113 tracked bythe flying body 103 uses a weapon (for example, when a gun is removedfrom a holder, and the like).

Moreover, the base station 102 may control an angle of view of imaging.For example, any parameters related to imaging by the camera 112, suchas an angle of view (zoom, pan, tilt, or the like), a location, anorientation, an inclination, and a height, may be controlled.

Furthermore, for example, when the flying body 103 tracks the policeofficer 113, the camera 112 may capture an image at a location or in aposition in which a line-of-sight direction of the police officer 113 iswidened in the captured image. In other words, the base station 102 maycontrol flight of the flying body 103 such that the camera 112 canperform such imaging. Doing in such a way enables intensive monitoringof the line-of-sight direction of the police officer 113.

Furthermore, for example, the camera 112 may capture an image at alocation or in a position in which the police officer 113 is located atan image center in the captured image. In other words, the base station102 may control flight of the flying body 103 such that the camera 112can perform such imaging. Doing in such a way makes it possible toperform monitoring without causing deviation depending on the direction.

Furthermore, for example, the camera 112 may capture an image at alocation or in a position in which a direction opposite to theline-of-sight direction of the police officer 113 is widened in thecaptured image. Doing in such a way makes it possible to widely monitorthe direction opposite to the line-of-sight direction of the policeofficer 113 (a back side of the head of the police officer 113).Therefore, the safety of the police officer 113 can be improved.

Furthermore, for example, the camera 112 may capture an image at alocation or in a position in which a direction of a weapon of the policeofficer 113 is widened in the captured image. Doing in such a wayenables wide monitoring in a direction in which the police officer 113points the weapon. Therefore, a behavior of the police officer 113 canbe managed more accurately.

Furthermore, for example, in a case where a sudden sound such as agunshot sound occurs, the base station 102 may direct the camera 112toward a sound source to capture an image. Doing in such a way allowsthe flying body 103 (camera 112) to capture an image in a direction inwhich an abnormality has occurred.

<6. Use Case 4 (Surrounding Monitoring)>

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the base station 102 controls theflying body 103 to fly so as to capture an image of surroundings of thepatrol car 101. For example, in a case where the police officer 113moves away from the patrol car 101 to an extent where tracking isdisabled, the base station 102 ends the tracking of the police officer113, and causes the flying body 103 to fly around the patrol car 101 andperform monitoring.

Doing in such a way allows the patrol support system 100 to monitorsurroundings of the patrol car 101 and detect an abnormality occurringaround the patrol car 101.

For example, the base station 102 causes the flying body 103 to fly at aconstant height, and further, rotates the flying body 103 (or the camera112) to capture images in all directions (360 degrees). An angle of viewmay be a wide angle or a narrow angle. By using the captured images inall directions generated in this way, abnormality detection andsuspicious person detection are performed. Doing in such a way allowsthe base station 102 to appropriately monitor surroundings of the patrolcar 101.

Furthermore, this captured image may be recorded. For example, the basestation 102 or the central control server 105 may record the capturedimage. Furthermore, another device may record the captured image.

Note that a plurality of microphones may be provided to the flying body103, and sound around the patrol car 101 may be recorded by theplurality of microphones. For example, the base station 102 may identifya sound generation direction on the basis of the collected sound, andcontrol the flying body 103 to direct the camera 112 toward the soundgeneration direction (capture an image in the sound generationdirection).

As described above, by applying the present technology, a subject can bemore easily imaged by an appropriate method in each use case. That is,imaging according to more various situations can be more easilyperformed.

7. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE Application Example

Note that, in the above description, it has been described that theimaging device includes the camera 112 as an imaging function unit thatimages a subject, and the flying body 103 as an imaging range varyingunit that varies a range of the imaging (controls an imaging range) bythe imaging function unit. However, each of the imaging function unitand the imaging range variable unit may have any configuration. Forexample, the imaging range variable unit is not limited to the flyingbody, and may be an automobile, a ship, or the like. That is, theimaging range variable unit may be any mobile body. Furthermore, theimaging range variable unit may be a drive unit capable of controlling aposition or the like of the imaging function unit. For example, as shownin FIG. 15, the imaging function unit may be a camera 302 installed on apole-shaped installation base mounted on an automobile 301, and theimaging range variable unit may be the installation base and the driveunit (not illustrated) configured to control an orientation, a height,and the like of the camera 302. This pole-shaped installation base has amovable portion that can expand and contract, rotate, and the like, andthe drive unit can control a location and an orientation of the camera302 by driving the movable portion. For example, the drive unit canstore the camera 302 in a storage unit for the camera 302 of theautomobile 301 by shortening the installation base, extend theinstallation base as shown in FIG. 15 so that the camera 302 projectsupward from the automobile 301, and rotate the installation base about alongitudinal direction thereof to control an orientation of the camera302. Furthermore, the imaging function unit is not limited to a sensorconfigured to detect visible light, and may be any sensor. For example,the imaging function unit may be a sensor configured to detect invisiblelight such as infrared light or ultraviolet light, or may be a sensorconfigured to detect sound.

Furthermore, in the above description, the patrol car 101 has beendescribed as an example of a vehicle, but this is an example, and thevehicle may not be the patrol car. For example, the vehicle may be anambulance, a fire engine, a truck, or the like. Furthermore, the vehicleneed not be such a special vehicle or a large vehicle, and may be ageneral vehicle (ordinary vehicle), for example. Furthermore, theabove-described “vehicle” that generates vehicle information is notlimited to an automobile. For example, a ship, an aircraft, a train(including a steam train), and the like are also included in the“vehicle”.

<Computer>

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware oralso executed by software. In a case where the series of processes areperformed by software, a program that configures the software isinstalled in a computer. Here, examples of the computer include, forexample, a computer that is built in dedicated hardware, ageneral-purpose personal computer that can perform various functions bybeing installed with various programs, and the like.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of hardwareof a computer that executes the series of processes described above inaccordance with a program.

In a computer 900 shown in FIG. 16, a central processing unit (CPU) 901,a read only memory (ROM) 902, and a random access memory (RAM) 903 aremutually connected via a bus 904.

The bus 904 is further connected with an input/output interface 910. Tothe input/output interface 910, an input unit 911, an output unit 912, astorage unit 913, a communication unit 914, and a drive 915 areconnected.

The input unit 911 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, amicrophone, a touch panel, an input terminal, and the like. The outputunit 912 includes, for example, a display, a speaker, an outputterminal, and the like. The storage unit 913 includes, for example, ahard disk, a RAM disk, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. Thecommunication unit 914 includes, for example, a network interface or thelike. The drive 915 drives a removable medium 921 such as a magneticdisk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductormemory.

In the computer configured as described above, the series of processesdescribed above are performed, for example, by the CPU 901 loading aprogram recorded in the storage unit 913 into the RAM 903 via theinput/output interface 910 and the bus 904, and executing. The RAM 903also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 901 to executevarious processes, for example.

The program executed by the computer can be applied by being recordedon, for example, the removable medium 921 as a package medium or thelike. In this case, by attaching the removable medium 921 to the drive915, the program can be installed in the storage unit 913 via theinput/output interface 910.

Furthermore, the program can also be provided via a wired or wirelesstransmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, ordigital satellite broadcasting. In this case, the program can bereceived by the communication unit 914 and installed in the storage unit913.

Besides, the program can be installed in advance in the ROM 902 and thestorage unit 913.

<Applicable Target of Present Technology>

Furthermore, the present technology can be applied to any configuration.For example, the present technology can also be implemented as a partialconfiguration of a device such as: a processor (for example, a videoprocessor) as a system large scale integration (LSI) or the like; amodule (for example, a video module) using a plurality of processors orthe like; a unit (for example, a video unit) using a plurality ofmodules or the like; or a set (for example, a video set) in which otherfunctions are further added to the unit.

Furthermore, for example, the present technology can also be applied toa network system including a plurality of devices. For example, thepresent technology may be implemented as cloud computing that performsprocessing in sharing and in cooperation by a plurality of devices via anetwork. For example, for any terminal such as a computer, an audiovisual (AV) device, a portable information processing terminal, or anInternet of Things (IoT) device, the present technology may beimplemented in a cloud service that provides a service related to animage (moving image).

Note that, in this specification, the system means a set of a pluralityof components (a device, a module (a part), and the like), and it doesnot matter whether or not all the components are in the same housing.Therefore, a plurality of devices housed in separate housings andconnected via a network, and a single device with a plurality of moduleshoused in one housing are both systems.

<Field and Application to which Present Technology is Applicable>

A system, a device, a processing unit, and the like to which the presenttechnology is applied can be utilized in any field such as, for example,transportation, medical care, crime prevention, agriculture, a livestockindustry, a mining industry, beauty care, a factory, a householdelectric appliance, weather, nature monitoring, and the like.

Furthermore, any application thereof may be adopted.

<Others>

The embodiment of the present technology is not limited to theabove-described embodiment, and various modifications can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present technology.

For example, a configuration described as one device (or processingunit) may be divided and configured as a plurality of devices (orprocessing units). On the contrary, a configuration described above as aplurality of devices (or processing units) may be collectivelyconfigured as one device (or processing unit). Furthermore, as a matterof course, a configuration other than the above may be added to aconfiguration of each device (or each processing unit). Moreover, aslong as a configuration and an action of the entire system aresubstantially the same, a part of a configuration of one device (orprocessing unit) may be included in a configuration of another device(or another processing unit).

Furthermore, for example, the above-described program may be executed inany device. In that case, the device is only required to have anecessary function (a functional block or the like) such that necessaryinformation can be obtained.

Furthermore, for example, individual steps of one flowchart may beexecuted by one device, or may be shared and executed by a plurality ofdevices. Moreover, in a case where one step includes a plurality ofprocesses, the plurality of processes may be executed by one device ormay be shared and executed by a plurality of devices. In other words, aplurality of processes included in one step can be executed as aplurality of steps. On the contrary, a process described as a pluralityof steps can be collectively executed as one step.

Furthermore, for example, in the program executed by the computer,processing of steps describing the program may be executed inchronological order in the order described in this specification, or maybe executed in parallel or individually at a required timing such aswhen a call is made. That is, as long as no contradiction occurs,processing of each step may be executed in an order different from theorder described above. Moreover, this processing of steps describingprogram may be executed in parallel with processing of another program,or may be executed in combination with processing of another program.

Furthermore, for example, a plurality of techniques related to thepresent technology can be implemented independently as a single body aslong as there is no contradiction. Of course, any of the plurality ofpresent technologies can be used in combination. For example, a part orall of the present technology described in any embodiment can beimplemented in combination with a part or all of the present technologydescribed in another embodiment. Furthermore, a part or all of thepresent technology described above may be implemented in combinationwith another technology not described above.

Note that the present technology can also have the followingconfigurations.

(1) An information processing apparatus including:

a control unit configured to control an imaging device, the imagingdevice including an imaging function unit and an imaging range variableunit, on the basis of vehicle information that is information regardinga vehicle.

(2) The information processing apparatus according to (1), in which

the control unit controls imaging by the imaging function unit, on thebasis of the vehicle information.

(3) The information processing apparatus according to (2), in which

the control unit controls an angle of view of the imaging, a start or anend of the imaging, or a start or an end of transmission of a capturedimage generated by the imaging.

(4) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(3), in which

the imaging range variable unit is a mobile body, and

the control unit controls movement of the mobile body on the basis ofthe vehicle information.

(5) The information processing apparatus according to (4), in which

the mobile body is a flying body, and

the control unit controls flight of the flying body on the basis of thevehicle information.

(6) The information processing apparatus according to (5), in which thecontrol unit controls a location, a height, an orientation, aninclination, or a motion of the flying body.

(7) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(6), in which

the vehicle information includes vehicle location and positioninformation that is information regarding a location and a position ofthe vehicle.

(8) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(7), in which

the vehicle information includes vehicle speed information that isinformation regarding a speed of the vehicle.

(9) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(8), in which

the vehicle information includes vehicle operation information that isinformation regarding a user operation for the vehicle.

(10) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(9), in which

the vehicle information includes vehicle attached equipment informationthat is information regarding attached equipment of the vehicle.

(11) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(10), in which

the control unit controls the imaging device, further on the basis ofenvironment information that is information regarding surroundings ofthe vehicle.

(12) The information processing apparatus according to (11), in which

the environment information includes a captured image generated by theimaging function unit, or includes an analysis result of the capturedimage.

(13) The information processing apparatus according to (11), in which

the environment information includes a captured image generated byanother imaging device different from the imaging device, or includes ananalysis result of the captured image.

(14) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(13), in which

the imaging range variable unit is a flying body, and

the control unit controls the flying body to cause the imaging device toland at a predetermined location, in a case where a speed of the vehiclereaches a predetermined speed or more.

(15) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(14), in which

the imaging range variable unit is a flying body, and

the control unit controls an altitude of the imaging device bycontrolling the flying body in accordance with a speed of the vehicle.

(16) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(15), in which

the imaging range variable unit is a flying body, and

the control unit controls the flying body and causes the imaging deviceto take off in a case where the vehicle stops.

(17) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(16), in which

the imaging range variable unit is a flying body, and

in a case where a user of the vehicle gets off, the control unitcontrols the flying body to cause the imaging device to track the user.

(18) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(17), in which

the imaging range variable unit is a flying body, and

the control unit controls the flying body to cause the imaging functionunit to capture an image of surroundings of the vehicle, in a case wherea user is away from the vehicle by a predetermined distance.

(19) An information processing method including:

controlling an imaging device, the imaging device including an imagingfunction unit and an imaging range variable unit, on the basis ofvehicle information that is information regarding a vehicle.

(20) A program for causing a computer to function as:

a control unit configured to control an imaging device, the imagingdevice including an imaging function unit and an imaging range variableunit, on the basis of vehicle information that is information regardinga vehicle.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100 Patrol support system-   101 Patrol car-   102 Base station-   103 Flying body-   104 Terminal device-   105 Central control server-   111 Cable-   112 Camera-   113 Police officer-   114 Network-   131 Vehicle unit-   132 Vehicle information generation unit-   133 Communication unit-   141 Vehicle information acquisition unit-   142 Environment information acquisition unit-   143 Control unit-   144 Communication unit-   151 Flight control unit-   152 Imaging control unit-   153 Vehicle control unit-   154 Terminal control unit-   155 Server processing unit-   161 Flight unit-   162 Imaging unit-   163 Environment information generation unit-   164 Streaming processing unit-   165 Communication unit-   171 Imaging unit-   172 Sensor unit-   173 Streaming processing unit-   174 Environment information generation unit-   175 Communication unit-   181 Instruction command generation unit-   182 Streaming processing unit-   183 Communication unit

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unitconfigured to control an imaging device, the imaging device including animaging function unit and an imaging range variable unit, on a basis ofvehicle information that is information regarding a vehicle.
 2. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit controls imaging by the imaging function unit, on a basisof the vehicle information.
 3. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls an angle of viewof the imaging, a start or an end of the imaging, or a start or an endof transmission of a captured image generated by the imaging.
 4. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theimaging range variable unit is a mobile body, and the control unitcontrols movement of the mobile body on a basis of the vehicleinformation.
 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim4, wherein the mobile body is a flying body, and the control unitcontrols flight of the flying body on a basis of the vehicleinformation.
 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim5, wherein the control unit controls a location, a height, anorientation, an inclination, or a motion of the flying body.
 7. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thevehicle information includes vehicle location and position informationthat is information regarding a location and a position of the vehicle.8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe vehicle information includes vehicle speed information that isinformation regarding a speed of the vehicle.
 9. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicleinformation includes vehicle operation information that is informationregarding a user operation for the vehicle.
 10. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicleinformation includes vehicle attached equipment information that isinformation regarding attached equipment of the vehicle.
 11. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit controls the imaging device, further on a basis ofenvironment information that is information regarding surroundings ofthe vehicle.
 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim11, wherein the environment information includes a captured imagegenerated by the imaging function unit, or includes an analysis resultof the captured image.
 13. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 11, wherein the environment information includes acaptured image generated by another imaging device different from theimaging device, or includes an analysis result of the captured image.14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe imaging range variable unit is a flying body, and the control unitcontrols the flying body to cause the imaging device to land at apredetermined location, in a case where a speed of the vehicle reaches apredetermined speed or more.
 15. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the imaging range variable unit is aflying body, and the control unit controls an altitude of the imagingdevice by controlling the flying body in accordance with a speed of thevehicle.
 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the imaging range variable unit is a flying body, and thecontrol unit controls the flying body and causes the imaging device totake off in a case where the vehicle stops.
 17. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging rangevariable unit is a flying body, and in a case where a user of thevehicle gets off, the control unit controls the flying body to cause theimaging device to track the user.
 18. The information processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging range variable unitis a flying body, and the control unit controls the flying body to causethe imaging function unit to capture an image of surroundings of thevehicle, in a case where a user is away from the vehicle by apredetermined distance.
 19. An information processing method comprising:controlling an imaging device, the imaging device including an imagingfunction unit and an imaging range variable unit, on a basis of vehicleinformation that is information regarding a vehicle.
 20. A program forcausing a computer to function as: a control unit configured to controlan imaging device, the imaging device including an imaging function unitand an imaging range variable unit, on a basis of vehicle informationthat is information regarding a vehicle.